What does it mean to be unable to perform expiation?
[AR_ID:3343]
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you.
Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him):
In our time, the inability to free a slave, which necessitates fasting and then feeding in the arranged expiation, is realized due to the absence of slaves.
As for the inability to fast, which necessitates feeding, it occurs when fasting causes harm, such as leading to illness, severe pain, or prolonged recovery, all to a significant extent that is not customary to endure. It also occurs if fasting is excessively burdensome for the individual.
The inability to feed or clothe in the expiation for an oath, which necessitates transitioning to fasting, is realized when one cannot obtain them, whether due to lack of funds or needing them for personal or family expenses, or for repaying debts, as well as the absence of the needy who are entitled to them.
The onset of menstruation or postpartum bleeding does not constitute an inability to fast or transition to feeding in the arranged expiation, nor does the necessity to travel that requires breaking the fast; this is because the continuity is not interrupted by such occurrences.
What is considered in terms of inability and ability in the arranged expiation is the state at the time of performance, not at the time of obligation. If one was able to fast two consecutive months at the time the cause of expiation occurred but became unable to feed sixty needy people and did not fast until the situation reversed, then the obligation becomes feeding, and fasting does not remain due.
It suffices for the realization of inability that necessitates transitioning to an alternative in the arranged expiation to be a customary inability at the time of expiation. For instance, if expiation for a vow is required and one wishes to expiate but finds themselves ill and unable to fast, yet hopes to recover soon and be able to fast, they are not required to wait; they may transition to feeding. However, if they do not feed until they recover and can fast, then fasting becomes obligatory and feeding is not sufficient.
Similarly, if expiation for breaking an oath is required and one wishes to expiate but is poor and cannot feed ten needy people or clothe them, fasting three consecutive days suffices, even if there is a possibility of being able to feed or clothe later. However, if they do not fast until they can do one of them, then fasting becomes obligatory and is not sufficient at that point.
If one is unable to fast in the expiation for a vow, or unable to feed or clothe in the expiation for an oath, but knows they will be able to do so after a short period, such as a week, they must wait and cannot transition to their alternatives.
If one is unable to fast in the expiation for a vow and begins feeding, then becomes able to do so, they may complete the feeding. Likewise, if one is unable to feed or clothe in the expiation for an oath and begins fasting, even for an hour of the day, then becomes able to do one of them, they may complete the fasting. However, if something occurs that necessitates restarting the fast—such as an interruption in continuity—they must feed or clothe as long as they remain able to do so.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Book of Expiations.
Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
Inability to free a slave, which necessitates transitioning to another form of expiation, is realized through the absence of a slave or the inability to purchase one, among other reasons mentioned in jurisprudence. Inability to fast, which necessitates feeding, is realized through illness that prevents fasting or the fear of worsening the condition, or if fasting is excessively burdensome. Whether the existence of illness or the fear of its occurrence or worsening suffices, even with hope for recovery and change in circumstances, is a matter of debate, with the first opinion having some preference. However, if one hopes for recovery soon, transitioning to feeding becomes problematic. If they delay feeding until they recover and can fast, then fasting becomes obligatory and feeding is not sufficient.
The onset of menstruation or postpartum bleeding does not constitute an inability to fast or transition to feeding, nor does the necessity to travel that requires breaking the fast, as continuity is not interrupted by such occurrences.
What is considered in terms of inability and ability is the state at the time of performance, not at the time of obligation. If one was able to free a slave at the time the cause of expiation occurred but became unable to fast and did not free the slave until the situation reversed, then the obligation becomes fasting, and the obligation to free the slave is lifted.
If one is unable to free a slave in the arranged expiation and begins fasting, even for an hour of the day, and then finds a means to free a slave, they are not required to free the slave and may complete the fast, which suffices. There is a viewpoint regarding whether one may abandon fasting in favor of freeing a slave, and it appears to be preferable. If something occurs that necessitates restarting the fast—such as an interruption in continuity—they must free the slave as long as they remain able to do so. The same applies if one is unable to fast and begins feeding, then becomes able.
Source: Tahrir al-Wasila, Regarding the Rulings of Expiation.
May you be successful in all good.